AMHERST -- Microbiologists at the University of Massachusetts have discovered a new type of natural wire that could replace traditional wires in the sensors in cellphones and other electronics.

Instead of man-made electronics, researchers here have found they can develop sustainable "green" conducting materials for the electronics industry.

The study by UMass microbiologist Derek Lovley and colleagues appears this week in mBio, the American Society of Microbiology's premier journal.

Lovley said he's really excited by the discovery and sees it as "revolutionary" for the electronics industry.

Microbial nanowires are natural, unlike the toxic chemicals used in wires manufactured now that require enormous amounts of energy to produce and also contribute to the build-up of electronic waste in landfills, he said.

"(It) is a serious problem. Typically, electronics are very toxic," Lovley said. He also said they're costly to make.

He said the UMass researchers have been working on the project for about a decade, but have had breakthroughs over the last year.

He said they are working with IBM and the polymer sciences department at UMass.

"We have one of the best" he said. "I'm thrilled. I'm having the time of my life," he said.

The wires will be durable, he said, but will decompose in landfills when thrown away.

They are working on prototypes, although there is no timeline for when they might come to market.